The Manipur cricket team which toured Shillong in 1936

Imphal, Sept. 21: The black and white photograph dates back to 1936, its edges slightly frayed, the sepia tinge somewhat obscuring the figures. What time couldn’t erase is the glory associated with it — the history of cricket in the state.

The photograph was taken when a cricket team from Manipur toured Shillong in 1936 for a few friendly matches.

After 70 years, it’s time to journey to the past when boys with the willow earned laurels in the game of glorious uncertainties. Thanks to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) new area development programme, cricket has become the latest craze among youngsters.

The Manipur Cricket Association (MCA) has 15 clubs playing in the first division and seven in the second. There are district cricket associations in Imphal, Thoubal, Chandel and Jiribam. Sadar Hills has recently applied for enrolment.

Nearly 20 cricketers are undergoing regular coaching since April. The state is yet to get a standard pitch, though the MCA has acquired a ground at Chaobok in Thoubal. But there is no dearth of enthusiasm, which is evident from the number of fields in each locality.

“Our rich past is our guide. We will reach the top,” said a beaming N. Birmangol Singh, secretary of Manipur Cricket Association.

The MCA has appointed qualified umpires and coaches from Bengal.

The association has also appointed former BCCI joint secretary Gautam Dasgupta as its director.

In 1926-27, boys of Manipur started playing cricket under the aegis of the British rulers. It was under the patronage of King Churchand that a cricket team toured Shillong in 1936. This remains documented as a piece of evidence of the glory the state had attained in the game.

The Manipur Cricket Association was formally registered with Societies Act in 1975 and as late as in 1998, got associate membership status from BCCI.

In contrast, Manipur Women’s Cricket Association is doing better as it has already got affiliation. Some of the women cricketers have represented East Zone in Janshi Rani Trophy. Ganga Devi from Thoubal district is shortlisted by Western Railway. “Manipur has a natural talent. Time is not far when our players will find a place in the Indian team,” Birmangol said.